Author Bio:
Rebecca Lee is an established writer living in Charlottesville, Virginia. Her work can be found in The British Medical Journal, The American Writers Review, The London Reader and more. She currently writes an award-winning blog based on object personification. Her story, Profiling, will be performed live at Manhattan’s KGB bar.
What inspires you to write?
In short, everything. I think “inspiring” is an interesting word when it comes to writing. If I only wrote when I felt inspired, I might never write. By writing every day, however, I can usually find something inspirational. Part of the reason I started my blog was to challenge myself. When writing about objects, you really have to get into your imagination to try and make the mundane seem compelling.
Tell us about your writing process.
I generally do not outline. I’ve been physically writing (paper and pen) for a very long time and I can tell when I get to a certain part of the page, that the story needs to change. By getting a feel for the actual space, I can figure out the rhythm required for its ending. I think the rhythm of a story has a lot to do with how people think in addition to what they’re reading.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
That’s a great question. I’m always acutely aware that the characters I’m creating are just slivers of people I know or myself. In my head, yes. I talk to myself and the people I know all day long every day.
Who are your favorite authors?
I’d have to say my all-time favorite is Evan S. Connell. He wrote Mrs. Bridge, which I still think is (sadly) very relevant in today’s world. If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend it. I also like Lydia Davis, Augusten Burroughs and especially Taffy Brodesser-Akner. She’s just so engaging. The way she blends character with in-depth research almost makes her seem like a fresher Tom Wolfe.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
I was actually approached by a publisher who saw the blog.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
The publishing world has and is changing so dramatically from previous decades. With the advent of digital publishing, so many more possibilities are available. I am really curious to see how reading (and what we’re reading) changes over time.
What genres do you write?
In addition to my blog, I like to write in a variety of styles. I’ve written fiction, personal essays, op-eds, poetry, short stories. I’ll pretty much write anything.
What formats are your books in?
Print
All information is provided by the author and is presented as it was submitted so you the reader get to hear the author’s own “voice” in their interview.
